Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

This episode features a conversation with Michael Dorf, Cornell Law School professor and animal advocate, who shares insights from his presentations at Vegan Summerfest. Jasmin and Mariann discuss their upcoming “staycation” plans while reflecting on the early days of Our Hen House. This episode explores: How human rights frameworks can be applied to animal rights advocacy The nationwide shelter crisis and the “Clear the Shelters” initiative happening throughout August Storytelling as a tool for social change in the animal rights movement Michael Dorf’s perspective on activism approaches for different personality types Remember to support your local animal shelters during the Clear the Shelters campaign this August by visiting cleartheshelters.org to find participating locations near you. RESOURCES The Vegan with Andrew Lipstein Clear The Shelters website ASPCA NY’s website Spent by Alison Bechdel Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir by Michael Anthony Dorf on Law: Nonhuman animals and the Constitution: Vegan Summerfest, My Upcoming Seminar, and More Dorf on Law: Human Rights for Nonhumans, Activism for Introverts, and Other Seeming Oxymorons We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this heartwarming episode, Jasmin and Mariann welcome Sherri Franklin, founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. What began with just 27 dogs in Sherri’s kitchen has transformed into a revolutionary cage-free shelter in San Francisco that now rescues more than 27 dogs every week. Through Sherri’s compassionate vision, Muttville has reimagined what animal sheltering can be – creating a welcoming community space where both dogs and humans thrive. This episode explores: How Muttville’s innovative cage-free shelter model creates a positive environment that encourages adoption and community engagement The special programs created for senior citizens and children, including the popular “Cuddle Club” that brings joy to isolated elderly individuals Why senior dogs make wonderful companions and the misconceptions that often prevent them from finding homes The importance of vegan advocacy within animal rescue organizations, with Muttville leading by example through vegan events and education Practical solutions for common senior dog health issues, including the organization’s hospice program that provides palliative care support ABOUT OUR GUESTS Sherri Franklin is the founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. A longtime vegan who hasn’t eaten meat for more than 40 years, Sherri pioneered one of the first animal welfare organizations to establish a meat-free policy in its bylaws, with all Muttville events now featuring exclusively vegan offerings. Her innovative approach created America’s first cage-free senior dog shelter, which has become an internationally recognized model hosting visitors from as far as Osaka and Istanbul. Sherri’s compassionate work earned her recognition as a CNN Hero in 2016, transforming the concept of animal shelters into community centers that bring together people and senior dogs to foster joy and connection. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this delightfully candid episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann dive into a mix of animal rights victories, personal news, and the peculiarities of content creation in the digital age. Episode Highlights: Jasmin’s Big News: Jasmin reveals she’ll be playing Judy Garland in “End of the Rainbow” at Center Stage Theater in Rochester this December. Fur Industry Collapse: Discussion of Kenny Torrella’s Vox article detailing what may be “the biggest animal welfare victory of the 21st century”  Farm Sanctuary Memories: Mariann shares her nostalgic visit to the Farm Sanctuary Hoedown, reflecting on her decades-long connection to the sanctuary YouTube Content Challenges: The hosts humorously navigate the mysterious world of YouTube algorithms and which words might affect their channel’s performance Inspiring Animal Rights News: A 72-year-old vegan nun winning a powerlifting competition A Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant switching to a plant-based menu Activist Maddie Krasno’s legal victory against censorship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Disturbing Zoo Practices: Critical examination of controversial practices at European zoos, including public pet donations for predator feeding and the killing of baboons due to overcrowding Wild Horse Controversy: Analysis of a Washington Post article suggesting wild horses should be consumed as food, highlighting the inconsistencies in how we view different animals We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s delightfully disturbing dive into animal agriculture’s paranoia, Mariann Sullivan unpacks the industry’s latest pearl-clutching over those pesky activists who have the audacity to…checks notes…document actual conditions on farms. Gasp! From Canadian farmers fretting about undercover investigations to Perdue shaping chicken meat into cute sea creatures while the plant-based industry gets crucified for “confusing” labeling, the hypocrisy reaches ocean depths. Meanwhile, the UK bans a dairy ad seen by millions because 25 people complained, and Perdue executives try desperately to silence protesters by essentially arguing that the First Amendment has a “but not in my neighborhood” clause. Episode Highlights: Canadian Farms “At Risk” from Activism: Ag legal expert warns about undercover surveillance and welfare complaints, while conveniently ignoring why such tactics might be necessary Perdue’s Bizarre Sea Creature Chicken Nuggets: The irony of shaping chicken into fish, dolphins and turtles while the plant-based industry faces labeling scrutiny UK Advertising Standards Authority Bans Anti-Dairy Ad: “Dairy Is Scary” ad banned after reaching 3.5 million viewers because 0.0025% complained Mink Release Activists Face Cruel Twist: Prosecutors drop conspiracy charges but add “aggravated cruelty to animals” against activists who freed mink from fur farms Perdue Executives Sue DXE Over Protests: Second executive files lawsuit to stop peaceful protests outside their homes, claiming “emotional distress” We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this collaborative episode with Animal Policy Alliance, Our Hen House explores the critical defensive battles being waged in state legislatures to protect animals from harmful agricultural industry bills. From blocking anti-drone legislation in Missouri to defeating rabbit farming expansion in Connecticut, our guests share their strategies for legislative success despite being outspent and outmaneuvered by powerful industry interests. Successfully blocked anti-drone bills that would prevent documentation of factory farm abuses Defeated rabbit farming expansion with overwhelming public testimony (568 against vs. 5 in support) Built strategic coalitions with unexpected allies including small farmers and law enforcement Leveraged research and evidence-based arguments to strengthen grassroots advocacy Engaged youth through education about legislative process and animal protection Used behind-the-scenes tactics to work effectively with legislators across party lines ABOUT OUR GUESTS Bob Baker serves as Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, bringing nearly 50 years of animal welfare expertise to the role. As a former national investigator for the ASPCA, Humane Farming Association, and Chief Investigator for the Humane Society of the United States, Bob has conducted animal cruelty investigations and advocacy work across 42 states. His extensive legislative experience has yielded significant victories for both companion and agricultural animals, most notably spearheading the 2011 Canine Cruelty Prevention Act that successfully shut down over 1,200 puppy mills in Missouri. His comprehensive background in animal protection legislation, puppy mill investigations, and farm animal advocacy has established him as a leading voice in animal welfare reform. Joshua is the Legislative & Advocacy Manager for CT Votes for Animals. His role is multifaceted and involves policy research, strategic planning and coalition-building, lobbying with state and local officials, and facilitating education outreach initiatives that aim to increase the understanding of, and participation in, the state legislative process.  Hannah Truxell is the Senior Policy Counsel with The Humane League where she leads a team of researchers who focus on providing support to THL’s Animal Policy Alliance. She and her team focus on state, federal, and local policy research, drafting model legislation, and legislative and campaign strategy. Hannah led THL’s internal research for and support to the organization’s legal team’s success in defending California’s Proposition 12 before the U.S. Supreme Court, the most impactful animal welfare law in the world. With more than a decade in various in-house roles, Hannah has broad experience in nonprofit law, animal law, and public policy. She previously served as Assistant General Counsel of The Humane League, counsel at Farm Sanctuary, and pro bono counsel with the Animal Welfare Institute. Hannah is the current Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association’s Animal Law Section and co-founded a Kentucky grassroots nonprofit, Kentucky Animal Action. She earned JD and Master of Political Science degrees from the University of Louisville and a BA from Virginia Tech. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ The Animal Policy Alliance, established by The Humane League, is a powerful collective of local and state-level animal advocacy groups throughout the United States. We serve as a trusted resource, providing knowledge, strategies, connection opportunities, and grants to our member organizations. We lead with purpose, empowering alliance members to build toward our shared vision of a world without animal abuse. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of The Hen Report, Mariann and Jasmin welcome back Richard “Kudo” Couto of Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) for a crucial   follow-up to his interview from episode 819. When Kudo first appeared on the show, his major investigation into Woodcrest Dairy was just breaking, and he couldn’t share all the details. Now he returns to reveal how ARM’s undercover work exposed horrific animal abuse at yet another Fairlife milk supplier and forced the facility to shut down completely. The conversation details how Coca-Cola and Fairlife, despite investing millions in alleged “animal welfare” measures following previous ARM investigations, continue to source milk from operations where extreme cruelty is standard practice. This powerful follow-up demonstrates how strategic activism and consumer pressure can hold even the world’s largest corporations accountable for animal suffering. This episode explores: How ARM’s investigation at Woodcrest Dairy revealed systematic torture of dairy cows, including brutal treatment of mothers during labor and birth The direct connection between Woodcrest Dairy and Fairlife milk, despite Coca-Cola’s attempts to deny the relationship How ARM’s strategic approach—providing evidence to authorities before going public—exposed law enforcement’s unwillingness to prosecute animal cruelty cases The remarkable outcome of the investigation: Woodcrest Dairy’s complete shutdown and Fairlife removing “animal welfare” claims from their marketing Why this case represents a significant turning point in holding the dairy industry accountable through both legal action and consumer awareness For more information on this investigation, visit animalrecoverymission.org, where you can find the full report on Operation Fairlife New Mexico. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the theater of the absurd that is animal agriculture politics. From the Trump administration’s laughable attempt to blame California’s cage-free egg laws for nationwide price hikes (spoiler alert: it’s actually bird flu), to pork industry lobbyists desperately trying to justify their existence by fighting animal welfare laws nobody asked them to fight. Plus, a dairy farmer’s sob story about how incredibly difficult it is to exploit cows for a living (have you tried… not doing that?), and finally, some actually good news about a groundbreaking Animal Sentience Center at the London School of Economics. This episode explores: How the Trump administration’s lawsuit against California’s Prop 12 is really a smokescreen for the pork industry’s agenda Why industry groups are fighting animal welfare laws that even many producers have already adapted to The hilarious self-pity of a dairy farmer complaining about the difficulty of the unnecessary job they chose How Helen and Scott Nearing demonstrated decades ago that plant-based farming offers more freedom than animal agriculture The promising development of the Jeremy Coller Center for Animal Sentience at the London School of Economics, bringing multidisciplinary science to animal advocacy   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this compelling episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Elise Bennett, Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, about the lawsuit challenging the controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades. Bennett details how this hastily constructed center in Big Cypress National Preserve threatens endangered species, water quality, and the integrity of a crucial ecosystem that has received billions in restoration funding over decades. The case hinges on federal agencies’ failure to conduct required environmental impact assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), highlighting how environmental laws may protect wildlife habitats even in politically charged circumstances. This episode explores: How the facility threatens endangered Florida panthers (only 120-230 remain in the wild) and the endemic Florida bonneted bat Environmental impacts including artificial lighting visible from 15 miles away and even from space Legal strategies using NEPA to challenge federal agencies’ failure to assess environmental impacts Complex jurisdictional questions as state and federal agencies attempt to evade accountability Potential water contamination risks in an ecosystem that’s critical to Florida’s environmental health ABOUT OUR GUEST Elise Bennett is the Florida and Caribbean director and a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. She advocates for endangered species and wild places in Florida and the Caribbean. Born and raised in Florida, she holds a law degree and a certificate of concentration in environmental law from Stetson University College of Law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida. Before joining the Center’s Florida and Caribbean program, Elise focused on protecting rare amphibians and reptiles in the eastern United States. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ********** You can listen to the Animal Law Podcast directly on our website (at the top of this page) or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning,  weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its fifteenth glorious year!

In this compelling episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Elise Bennett, Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, about the lawsuit challenging the controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades. Bennett details how this hastily constructed center in Big Cypress National Preserve threatens endangered species, water quality, and the integrity of a crucial ecosystem that has received billions in restoration funding over decades. The case hinges on federal agencies’ failure to conduct required environmental impact assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), highlighting how environmental laws may protect wildlife habitats even in politically charged circumstances. This episode explores: How the facility threatens endangered Florida panthers (only 120-230 remain in the wild) and the endemic Florida bonneted bat Environmental impacts including artificial lighting visible from 15 miles away and even from space Legal strategies using NEPA to challenge federal agencies’ failure to assess environmental impacts Complex jurisdictional questions as state and federal agencies attempt to evade accountability Potential water contamination risks in an ecosystem that’s critical to Florida’s environmental health RESOURCES America’s Whey Protein Obsession Is Transforming the Dairy Industry Where Did Bird Flu Go? I served the same dish with and without ‘vegan’ labels for 30 days. The reactions exposed our deepest food biases At an Iowa Pork Plant, Piles of Dead Pigs and Wafting Sulphur Dioxide In Landmark Shift, NIH Announces No More Exclusive Funding for Animal Experiments ‘I went vegan on the second day of filming’: James Cromwell on making Babe, the talking pig classic Denmark Introduces ‘Plant-Based Diplomacy Initiative’ Oregon Community Group Halts Giant Chicken Factory Farm Construction After Five-Year Battle Eating this ultraprocessed food may be good for you and the planet, experts say A Vegan Triathlete Just Became The 2025 German Champion The Omnivore’s Deception By John Sanbonmatsu — Review We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the agricultural industry’s latest pearl-clutching moments. From state fair organizers panicking over PETA’s “Hell on Wheels” truck to a farmer claiming slaughterhouse screams are “edited,” this episode exposes the absurd lengths the animal agriculture industry will go to avoid confronting reality. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s is suing activists, and politicians are suggesting Medicaid recipients should replace migrant workers in slaughterhouses—because apparently brutal labor conditions are perfect for vulnerable populations. This episode explores: How state fair organizers are developing “crisis plans” to combat the terrifying threat of activists handing out stickers The mind-boggling claim that pig screams in slaughterhouse footage are “edited” by a representative from “Farmers Against Misinformation” Trader Joe’s legal battle against Direct Action Everywhere for disrupting sales of Petaluma Poultry products The agriculture industry’s simultaneous complaints about labor shortages while receiving increased government handouts   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.